Roots of Kikkoman
The history of Kikkoman began when the Mogi and Takanashi families began soy sauce production along the Edo River in Noda, a small city located not far from Tokyo.
Did you know?
The name Kikkoman has a special meaning. “Kikko” stands for turtle shell and “man” means 10,000. According to Japanese legend turtles live 10,000 years and symbolize luck, success and a long life.
- 1917-1968
- 1970-1998
- 2001-2017
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Noda Shoyu Co. Ltd. (forerunner to Kikkoman) established in Noda through merger of eight family companies.
Kansai plant (now the Takasago Factory) completed near Osaka, Japan.
“Kikkoman” adapted as single brand name nationwide.
Export of soy sauce, which ceased due to war, resumed.
Kikkoman International Inc. established in San Francisco for sales and marketing.
Katsunuma Yoshu Co., Ltd.（now Manns Wine Co., Ltd.）established in Japan.
Partnered with Leslie Salt Company in the U.S. to start local bottling of soy sauce and manufacturing teriyaki sauce.
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Opened underwater restaurant and other exhibits at World Expo in Osaka.
Kikkoman Foods, Inc. our first U.S. plant, established in Walworth, Wisconsin.
Kikkoman enters restaurant business in Europe by opening Daitokai restaurant in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Kikkoman enters restaurant business in Japan by opening Colza restaurant in Tokyo.
Kikkoman Shoyu renamed Kikkoman Corporation.
Kikkoman Australia Pty Limited established in Sydney, Australia.
Kikkoman (S) Pte Ltd established in Singapore.
Chitose Plant completed in Hokkaido, Japan.
Kikkoman acquired perpetual marketing rights to Del Monte brand in Asia-Pacific region (excluding the Philippines ).
Joint-venture company, President Kikkoman Inc., is established to produce soy sauce in Taiwan.
Kikkoman Foods Europe B.V. established in the Netherlands.
JFC International (Europe) GmbH established in Dusseldorf.
Kikkoman Foods, Inc. establishes its second U.S. plant in Folsom, California.
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Kikkoman Trading Asia Pte Ltd established in Singapore.
Grand opening of Kunshan President Kikkoman Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (K-PKI).
Grand opening of Siam Del Monte Company Limited’s factory in Trat, Thailand.
Commemoration of Kikkoman’s 50th anniversary in the U.S.
Kikkoman introduces new corporate brand logo and slogan.
Grand opening of Del Monte Foods (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. (DMX).
Grand opening of President Kikkoman Zhenji Foods Co., Ltd. (PKZ).
Kikkoman Food Products Company, Kikkoman Beverage Company and Kikkoman Business Service Company established with the move to a holding company structure by dividing the company.
Set up booth in Japan Industry Pavilion and opened Japanese restaurant “MURASAKI” at Expo 2010 Shanghai, China.
New hospital building of Kikkoman General Hospital completed.
Kikkoman Shanghai Trading Co., Ltd, established in Shanghai, China.
Kikkoman General Hospital celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Become a Tokyo 2020 Official Partner in the category of "Sauces (including Soy Sauces), Vinegar, Mirin and Cooking Sake".
Commemorative event held for 100th anniversary of Kikkoman’s establishment.